Cat has to be rescued from '˜animal trap' in Ballyclare

According to a local political representative, the cat had to be rescued by a passer-by who found it trapped in the metal contraption, which had been placed over a fence in the Rashee Road estate.

Speaking to the Times, Progressive Unionist Party representative Scott McDowell praised the young man who found the device and freed the distressed animal.

He said: “I was made aware of the trap on Saturday morning. A young lad came across it and had to free a cat that had been caught inside it.

“At this stage it is unclear how the cat is, so I hope that it is not badly injured. It is fortunate that a child did not come across the trap, as it could have caused serious injury.

“The people who left the trap there need to be more considerate. Regardless of what anyone thinks of any animal, to do this is absolutely brutal and completely wrong.”

The PUP representative added: “I would like to thank the young lad who came across the trap and released the cat.”

Police have confirmed that they received a report of a cat having to be rescued from a suspected animal trap in the Erskine Park area at the weekend. It’s not known at this stage if any offence has been committed.